Outsource It! 50 Ways to Utilize Classroom Volunteers

As a teacher, you have a never-ending stream of work. Here is the good news: you don’t have to do it all. Classroom volunteers are the teacher’s version of outsourcing, and you should do it as much as you can. Ideally, you have a solid group of parents to fill this role, but if you don’t, consider recruiting your past students. They will love coming back to help one of their favorite teachers. Other sources for volunteers: high school students who may be able to earn credit for helping in your classroom and senior citizens, such as grandparents or enthusiastic older folks from your local retirement home.

Before you assign a task to a volunteer, make sure they are a good match. Considering the following categories can help you select the right volunteer for each job:

At school, working directly with students

At school, not working with students

At home (great for parents who can’t make it into the classroom)

One time/occasional help

So, what should you have them do? Here is a list of 50 different tasks:

Taking down bulletin boards/student artwork

Putting up bulletin boards/student artwork

Copying/printing

Cutting stuff on the paper cutter

Cutting stuff out at home using scissors

Sharpening pencils

Laminating task cards and other materials

Binding books with binding machine

Using the die-cut machine

Collating and stapling papers

Distributing end-of-the-week papers into mailboxes

Correcting assignments/tests that do not need comments

Labeling books and classroom materials

Cleaning computers and keyboards

Organizing classroom library, games, art materials etc.

Repairing books, games, and other classroom materials

Organizing, cleaning, and replacing classroom materials, such as crayons, markers, and glue

Creating materials for centers, games, etc.

Setting up centers or stations

Facilitating centers or stations

Monitoring class while you work with a small group

Using flashcards with a group or individual

Leading a small group

Helping/tutoring one student who is struggling

Listening to students read one-on-one

Working one-on-one with students during writing workshop

Helping a student who has been absent to catch up

Helping a student get organized/find papers/basically pull it together

Leading enrichment activities with fast finishers

Supervising indoor recess so you can have a break (if school allows)

Reading out loud to the class

Ordering books from book clubs, collecting checks, etc.

Sorting and distributing book club books once they have arrived

Setting up science, art, or cooking stations or centers

Helping with particularly involved art, science, or cooking projects

Cleaning up science, art, or cooking stations or centers

Organizing and implementing fundraisers

Organizing class parties

Helping with class parties

Helping on special days like Science Fairs, Read-Ins, Author Days, etc.

Guest speakers

Field trip leaders

Making costumes and props for classroom productions

Taking pictures of students; printing and organizing pictures

Scanning/saving student work

Maintaining classroom website

Helping with parent newsletter

DIY projects like making milk carton stools or personal whiteboards

Returning books you have used for a unit to the public library

Buying schools supplies (since you are buying them anyway, why not send a parent out to do it? Give her your hard earned cash and tell her what she needs to buy with it. It will raise some awareness, and maybe she will even share the experience with other parents, and they will contribute to the cause.)

This post was part of the Bright Ideas Blog Hop. Find more ways to make your school year amazing by checking out some of the posts below. There are a lot of posts, so looking for your grade level below each thumbnail will really help!

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I really enjoy this idea. It’s really hard to keep up with everything during the lesson. Sometimes you simply need minor assistance because multitasking isn't an option. Moreover, some kids would love to help you. It makes them feel important and develops their sense of responsibility. This way you will make sure they won’t write an essay for money in the future. Diligence is something you have to foster kids while they are small. But of course, as you've mentioned, your requests have to be easy to handle. Anyway, thanks for a great post!

Here are 20 autumn-themed task cards that will work perfectly at a center or for any student who finishes his or her work early. Each card features a different fall-related, open-ended challenge; perfect for working on those creative and critical thinking skills!

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